Crap, I broke an Anderson window.

Does anyone know whether or not you can just replace the glass in one of these windows?? I have a very large (think entry door size) casement window that got hit with a single pebble from a weed eater. I went to go and get a rock chip repair kit but as I was cleaning it, the tiny little chip turned into a crack going the entire 7 foot height of the glass. It is a double insulated unit. Probably made in the late 90’s early 2000’s. A replacement sash would be a fortune so i am hoping that Anderson has been kind and made these units serviceable.

Thanks,Jesse

-- Jesse, West Lafayette, Indiana

6 replies so far

Sealed units are not repairable, not cost effective. Replacement sealed units are not really all that expensive compared to replacing complete door. I broke the side window beside my front door a few years back, rock from lawnmower!

Turns out it was actually a Marvin, and from what I have read, the same applies. I got the window from craigslist for a song. I built my wood shop around that size of window. I may just replace the whole unit with something else. Def not going to spend $800.00 on the same unit that I got for 60.00. AT least it is only the outside pane so I have as much time as I want to fix it…..

If you can take the insulated unit out of the frame, you can cut the broken pc off of the spacer that is filled with desiccant. Then you can order a new pc of glass from any glass shop and silicone the window back on. The only thing you won’t be able to do is fill the window with any kind of gas (typically, argon and krypton). I would try this rout first before buying any new unit. Units are normally sealed with butyl or polysulphide but silicone will work.

If you can take the insulated unit out of the frame, you can cut the broken pc off of the spacer that is filled with desiccant. Then you can order a new pc of glass from any glass shop and silicone the window back on. The only thing you won t be able to do is fill the window with any kind of gas (typically, argon and krypton). I would try this rout first before buying any new unit. Units are normally sealed with butyl or polysulphide but silicone will work.

- woodust

That’s exactly what I was going to suggest, did the same repair for a friend(smaller window)all it cost him was a few $ for the glass and a tube of silicone adhesive.

Yep. It is confirmed. There are aluminum stops holding the glass in from the outside. I have several glass companies in my town that can make just the insulated panel with or without the gas. That will be my solution. I thought about getting some 1/4” glass and getting rid of the insulation all together. See what costs what first.

If you go with just buying a single pane and gluing it in, make sure that any air gaps let replacement air enter from outside. Any vents to the inside will let warm air between the panes in the winter. Warm air holds more moisture than colder outside air and will cause fogging in the winter. Even when it is raining, outside air is usually dryer than warm indoor air.

At least that is what I have read in some old books about building your own house.